STATEHOUSE – The Indiana House committee on Ways and Means recently completed a session-long initiative to raise money for the Howard County Tornado Relief Fund administered by the United Way of Howard County.

Ways and Means Chairman Tim Brown (R- Crawfordsville) instituted a rule that required members to contribute to the ‘penalty jar’ if their cell phone rang or made noise during a committee meeting this session.

“I wanted to raise money in a fun and good hearted way for this great cause,” said Rep. Tim Brown. “Hoosiers help one another, and Howard County is still rebuilding from the tornadoes that devastated the area. Every little bit helps, and I’m grateful to my fellow Ways and Means members for their generosity and willingness to participate.”

State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) promoted the fund and encouraged donations from fellow committee members and legislators.

“This was a reminder for committee members to keep focused on the job at hand while also raising money for Howard County when they forgot to silence their phones,” said Rep. Karickhoff. “Our community was hit hard by the devastating tornado back in November, and we’re still recovering. With the help of the United Way, the Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters and the willingness of many citizen volunteers, we will repair, rebuild and refocus on getting back on track. Chairman’s Brown recognition of our natural disaster helped maintain a state-wide awareness.”

The committee raised more than $400 to be donated to the fund. More than $109,000 has been raised to help meet immediate and mid-term needs in Howard County. The United Way Long Term Recovery Group anticipates larger reconstruction jobs to begin when the weather improves. Volunteers are ready to begin roof patching, window replacements, fence reconstruction and other projects.

“Howard County neighbors are grateful to be recognized by the Indiana House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means. As residents overcome the hardships caused by the November 17 tornadoes, we appreciate committee members remembering that lives, homes and businesses are still being repaired, and we remain #KokomoStrong! Thank you for keeping The Howard County Disaster Fund in the spotlight,” said Abbie Smith, President of Howard County United Way.

For information on how to donate to the Howard County Tornado Relief Fund, visit unitedwayhoco.org.

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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff serves as Budget Subcommittee Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and on the Natural Resources Committee. He is also the vice-chair of the Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. Rep. Karickhoff represents portions of Howard and Grant counties, most of the city of Kokomo and the towns of Swayzee and Greentown.

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